Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has reaffirmed that the local government elections scheduled for Saturday will proceed as planned, despite an appeal from the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, to suspend the exercise.
In a statement on Friday, the governor’s spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, stressed that democracy thrives on the rule of law and that no individual has the authority to override judicial decisions.
“My advice to all stakeholders, both local and national, is to adhere to democratic principles. For me and my people, we follow the law, not illegal self-help. The election will hold, and it will usher in grassroots development. I urge everyone to remain peaceful, as Osun is a state known for peace,” the statement read.
The AGF, in a statement on Thursday, had advised Governor Adeleke to direct the Osun State Independent Electoral Commission (OSIEC) to halt the polls, warning that proceeding with the exercise would violate the Constitution.
Fagbemi cited a recent Court of Appeal ruling in Akure, which overturned a previous Federal High Court judgment that nullified the last local government elections conducted under former Governor Adegboyega Oyetola. The ruling reinstated the sacked council chairmen, whose tenure, according to the AGF, remains valid until October 2025.
He warned that any fresh election at this time would be unconstitutional and could lead to political unrest. Fagbemi urged Adeleke to respect the rule of law and ensure peace in the state.
